5 Shocking Health Battles And The Unfiltered Comeback: Inside Kathy Griffin's 'New Face, New Tour'

Comedian Kathy Griffin has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, but the last few years have seen her take on battles far more serious than any Hollywood feud. As of December 2025, the Emmy and Grammy-winning star is not just back on the road, she is embracing a new, unfiltered chapter of her life—one marked by major health scares, a renewed sense of purpose, and an unapologetic stage show. This article dives into the latest updates on her life, career, and the dramatic health journey that inspired her current, must-see stand-up tour.

The veteran comic is currently touring with her show, New Face, New Tour, a title that is a quintessential piece of Griffin's self-deprecating humor, referencing everything from her recent cosmetic procedures to her ongoing recovery from a series of serious medical conditions. Her ability to mine humor from trauma, including a lung cancer diagnosis and a recent hysterectomy, proves that despite being "canceled," her voice is more essential—and controversial—than ever.

Complete Biography: The Unstoppable Kathleen Mary Griffin

Kathleen Mary Griffin, known universally as Kathy Griffin, is an American comedian, actress, writer, and television host whose career is defined by her sharp wit and willingness to push boundaries. She has built a reputation as one of the most successful and controversial figures in modern stand-up comedy.

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• Full Name: Kathleen Mary Griffin
• Date of Birth: November 4, 1960
• Birthplace: Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 65
• Key Professions: Stand-up Comedian, Actress, Writer, Producer, Television Host
• Spouse: Randy Bick (married 2020, officiated by Lily Tomlin)
• Breakthrough Role: Sally Weaver on the sitcom Suddenly Susan (1996–2000)
• Reality TV Success: Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (2005–2010), which won two Emmy Awards.
• Major Awards: Two Primetime Emmy Awards, One Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
• Notable Specials: She holds the Guinness World Record for the most televised stand-up specials by any comedian (20+).

Griffin’s career has been an intentional, decades-long effort to challenge celebrity culture and political figures. Her relentless pursuit of material and her refusal to apologize for her comedy have made her a polarizing figure, leading to both immense success and significant professional setbacks.

The 'New Face' of Resilience: Recent Health Scares and Recovery

The title of her current tour, New Face, New Tour, is a direct, comedic reference to the profound physical and mental health challenges Griffin has faced over the past few years. Her openness about her struggles has provided fresh, raw material for her stand-up and resonated deeply with her audience.

The Lung Cancer Battle (2021)

In August 2021, Kathy Griffin shocked fans by announcing she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer. The diagnosis required her to have half of her left lung removed. She announced she was cancer-free later that year, but the experience was a severe wake-up call that she now incorporates into her comedy, using her trademark dark humor to discuss the realities of the disease and recovery.

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Recent Hysterectomy for Precancerous Condition (2024/2025)

In a more recent health update, the comedian revealed in April of the year she turned 64 that she had undergone a full hysterectomy. The procedure was preventative, performed to address a precancerous condition. This second major surgery in just a few years highlighted a period of intense medical scrutiny and recovery. Griffin has been transparent about her recovery process on social media, often sharing candid, makeup-free photos and videos. The 'New Face' joke is partly a jab at the public's reaction to her appearance during these vulnerable times, along with her decision to get permanent makeup like microblading and lip tattoos.

Living with PTSD After the Cancellation

Beyond the physical health battles, Griffin has also been an advocate for mental health awareness. She has openly discussed her diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which she attributes to the intense backlash and career fallout following the controversial 2017 photo scandal involving a mask resembling a decapitated former President Donald Trump. This period saw her career derailed, resulting in death threats, a federal investigation, and a temporary blacklisting from major venues. Her comedy now frequently touches on themes of cancellation, free speech, and the psychological toll of being a high-profile target.

The 'New Tour' and Unapologetic Political Comedy

The New Face, New Tour is more than just a stand-up show; it is a declaration of independence for a comedian who has survived cancellation and serious illness. The tour, which has dates scheduled well into 2026, promises a return to her fierce, unapologetic style.

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Griffin has made it clear that "the gloves are off" as she writes new material, indicating that no topic is too sensitive and no public figure is safe from her lacerating observations. The tour is a continuation of her previous show, My Life on the PTSD List, where she began to process the trauma and fallout from the 2017 incident.

The Enduring Trump Controversy

Even years later, the 2017 photo remains a central and defining moment in her career. Griffin continues to deal with the aftermath, but she has also found a way to move forward with a surprising perspective. She has mentioned in recent interviews that she still has "quite a few Trumper friends," acknowledging that life and relationships are more complex than political divisions. This nuance is a key element of her current act, allowing her to discuss the political climate with both fire and a surprising degree of personal insight.

The focus of the new material is largely on her personal experiences: the absurdity of navigating the healthcare system with cancer, the humiliation of public shaming, and the bizarre experience of her own celebrity. She has used her personal medical journey to create material that is both deeply personal and universally funny, turning serious topics into stand-up gold.

The Importance of Topical Authority

Kathy Griffin’s longevity in the entertainment industry is a testament to her ability to adapt and her unwavering commitment to her comedic voice. Her work continues to provide topical authority on subjects ranging from celebrity culture and reality television to the complexities of political polarization and the challenges of the modern cancellation culture. By being completely transparent about her life—her health scares, her PTSD, and her cosmetic choices—she ensures her material is always fresh, relevant, and authentically hers. Her current tour is not just a comedy show; it is a victory lap for a survivor who refused to stay down.

For fans and curious observers, the New Face, New Tour offers a fresh look at a legendary comic who has faced down death and professional ruin, only to emerge sharper and more determined than ever. The show promises a comedic exploration of a life lived on the edge, proving once again that Kathy Griffin is a master of turning personal tragedy into public triumph.